Cowered by the valiant Memorial Day travel effort by Don Miller, editor of Santa Cruz Sentinel, Paul, Paulie and I learned our lesson by staying put this July 4th which happened to be a big 250th birthday. After a brunch of hot dogs, the three of us ventured out to as far as Pleasure Point. It was a calculated risk. The Point might be a ground zero for fireworks after dark, but could be quiet in the daytime.
As usual, the Point never disappoints us with its beauty, hospitality and vitality. Crowds of people were seen gathering there, chatting excitedly, while a couple of sheriff's deputies were busy dissembling a mobile signage unit. A first-time Pleasure Point mini parade just completed, we were told. A slight regret washed over us, but did not stick.
Turning around, we saw a colorful bouncy house standing right there. We could not be more pleased, for Paulie had been bugging us to buy one every time we went to Costco. Losing no time, Paulie dashed over and jumped at in for at least three sessions, surviving both an accidental shutdown (powered turned off by a parking truck across the street), and rowdy teenagers.
After the bouncy house, we did our usual Point to Hook, and back to Rockview walk, fully soaked with sunshine, ocean breeze and contagious joys about America's 250th birthday. Before evening fell, we left the Point reluctantly. To continue our festive spirit, Paul charged our bubble machine for Paulie to enjoy in our backyard. For dinner we treated ourselves to the traditional corn on the cob meal, ready for the fireworks!
Happy Birthday, America!
